(KCBS) – KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl reviews “Austenland”, the story of a Jane Austen-obsessed woman (Keri Russell), and her trip to the titular resort in order to live in the world of her favorite author, and find her own storybook romance.

Jan Wahl Movie Review: Austenland (PG-13)

Remember Westworld–where people got to go to a resort to live out their fantasies? This movie is an opportunity for a smart comedy with a similar theme, but for Jane Austen fans.

We meet Keri Russell, a charming actress who doesn’t work enough. Here, she plays a Jane Austin devotee who has discovered a resort for all things Austen. Run by a tough but oh-so-feminine Jane Seymour, at Austenland, Keri finds herself with Mr. Darcy and all you’d expect, except none of the wit or rebelliousness of Austen.

Based on the novel by Shannon Hale, I could almost hear the filmmakers yelling “dumb it down!” Faster than you can swallow your pride and face your prejudice, we get outworn cliches and slapstick gags. Even the comedic Jennifer Coolidge can’t save this “Austen Light.”

OK for a night of escapism, especially since comedy is in short supply right now.

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Jan Wahl

Vancouver Magazine called her “San Francisco's sharp-witted solo answer to Ebert and Roeper.” Recognized as a woman of many hats, film critic Jan Wahl joined KRON 4 in October 1990. Sporting a different chapeau each week, she critiques recent mov...